Morgan Freeman did not reach the heights in Hollywood by always playing Mr. Nice Guy. His ruthless decision to fire a famous rapper from one of his movies shows the actor’s commitment to his craft. In 2013, Freeman joined forces with Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, and Kevin Kline to star in the comedy film Last Vegas. The film was supposed to have rapper T.I. in a supporting role in the film.
A promotion poster for Morgan Freeman’s Last Vegas | CBS Films
However, during the table read of the movie, the rapper’s unprofessional behavior greatly disappointed the veteran actor. The Shawshank Redemption actor let him know the next day that he was out of the ensemble cast of the film.
Morgan Freeman Fired Famous Rapper From His Movie With Robert De Niro
T.I. in a still from Marvel’s Ant-Man | Marvel Studios
T.I., real name Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.,...
A promotion poster for Morgan Freeman’s Last Vegas | CBS Films
However, during the table read of the movie, the rapper’s unprofessional behavior greatly disappointed the veteran actor. The Shawshank Redemption actor let him know the next day that he was out of the ensemble cast of the film.
Morgan Freeman Fired Famous Rapper From His Movie With Robert De Niro
T.I. in a still from Marvel’s Ant-Man | Marvel Studios
T.I., real name Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Genesis Rodriguez (The Umbrella Academy) has joined the Season 2 cast of Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness. She will portray Captain Josephina Carrillo, a dedicated soldier and skilled helicopter pilot with a fierce personality.
The drama starring Zoe Saldaña and Laysla De Oliveira was renewed for a second season by Paramount+ earlier this month. Season 1 is available to stream in its entirety via P+.
Lioness is based on a real-life CIA program and follows Cruz Manuelos (De Oliveira), a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine recruited to join the CIA’s Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within. Saldaña plays Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program tasked with training, managing and leading her female undercover operatives.
The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, Lamonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier.
Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Ron Burkle,...
The drama starring Zoe Saldaña and Laysla De Oliveira was renewed for a second season by Paramount+ earlier this month. Season 1 is available to stream in its entirety via P+.
Lioness is based on a real-life CIA program and follows Cruz Manuelos (De Oliveira), a rough-around-the-edges but passionate young Marine recruited to join the CIA’s Lioness Engagement Team to help bring down a terrorist organization from within. Saldaña plays Joe, the station chief of the Lioness program tasked with training, managing and leading her female undercover operatives.
The series also stars Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, Lamonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier.
Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Ron Burkle,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Shift: Joe Drake Stepping Down As Chair, Hands Reins To Adam Fogelson
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake is exiting the company, and handing over executive duties and title to Motion Picture Group Vice Chair Adam Fogelson.
This was a move initiated by Drake who’ll be working with Fogelson over the coming months to transition him to the Chair role.
The corporate segue follows Lionsgate’s reboot of the Hunger Games franchise with the Q4 holiday prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which has grossed over $340M global box office to date.
Drake rejoined Lionsgate in 2017 after having success with Good Universe Pictures, the second company acquired by Lionsgate from Drake. Other highlights during his current run of the Motion Picture Group include multi-award-winning Knives Out ($312M global B.O.), the last two John Wick movies ($766M+ global B.O.), and the latest installment in the Saw franchise ($111M global box). Last year, Lionsgate achieved its...
This was a move initiated by Drake who’ll be working with Fogelson over the coming months to transition him to the Chair role.
The corporate segue follows Lionsgate’s reboot of the Hunger Games franchise with the Q4 holiday prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which has grossed over $340M global box office to date.
Drake rejoined Lionsgate in 2017 after having success with Good Universe Pictures, the second company acquired by Lionsgate from Drake. Other highlights during his current run of the Motion Picture Group include multi-award-winning Knives Out ($312M global B.O.), the last two John Wick movies ($766M+ global B.O.), and the latest installment in the Saw franchise ($111M global box). Last year, Lionsgate achieved its...
- 1/10/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The film Identity Thief was never a hit with critics, who blasted the script as being painfully unfunny, even though many enjoyed the performances of its stars, Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. Audiences were much more forgiving. Not only did they make it a hit at the box office, giving it a couple of weeks as America’s top movie, but they’ve given it new life as one of the top movies currently being streamed on Netflix. Originally, McCarthy’s part was written for a male actor, but Bateman pushed for a gender change so that McCarthy could be brought in for the role. At that point, he hadn’t met her but thought she was really funny. When he did meet her, he said she was everything he’d expected she would be, and she brought more to the role than he’d expected she would. (Click on...
- 10/16/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
“Barbie” (Warner Bros.), the year’s biggest hit, had some competition its third week out on PVOD (for rent at $24.99), and it’s coming from within its own house.
“Blue Beetle,” from Warners’ DC Comics division, actually took #1 at Vudu — even more impressive since it ranks by revenue, putting the $19.99 “Beetle” at a disadvantage. It placed #3 at Google Play, which often is slower to note new releases. “Barbie” remains #1 at iTunes and Google Play.
Three other new titles debuted this week, led by “Gran Turismo” (Sony), as high as #2 at Vudu. Also at $19.99, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” (Focus) also placed on two charts. It’s #4 at Vudu after its third weekend in theaters.
“Muzzle” (Rlj), a direct-to-home release landed at #6 at iTunes at a $6.99 rental. Taking the “John Wick” plot about a man seeking revenge after his dog is killed, this stars Stephen Lang and Aaron Eckhardt.
“Barbie,...
“Blue Beetle,” from Warners’ DC Comics division, actually took #1 at Vudu — even more impressive since it ranks by revenue, putting the $19.99 “Beetle” at a disadvantage. It placed #3 at Google Play, which often is slower to note new releases. “Barbie” remains #1 at iTunes and Google Play.
Three other new titles debuted this week, led by “Gran Turismo” (Sony), as high as #2 at Vudu. Also at $19.99, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” (Focus) also placed on two charts. It’s #4 at Vudu after its third weekend in theaters.
“Muzzle” (Rlj), a direct-to-home release landed at #6 at iTunes at a $6.99 rental. Taking the “John Wick” plot about a man seeking revenge after his dog is killed, this stars Stephen Lang and Aaron Eckhardt.
“Barbie,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Longtime Lionsgate Film Distribution Head David Spitz is exiting, Deadline has learned, with former STX distribution vet Kevin Grayson getting named President of Domestic Distribution of the studio’s motion picture group.
‘The Hunger Games’
Spitz came to Lionsgate via its absorption of Blair Witch Project studio Artisan. Before that, Spitz was at Reservoir Dogs distributor, Live Entertainment which was acquired by Artisan. Spitz, son of legendary late distribution boss Jimmy Spitz, has had a leadership role at Lionsgate since 2003. Spitz handled several franchise hits including John Wick (the latest Chapter 4 of which became the highest grossing in the franchise with $180M+ this weekend), Hunger Games, Twilight Saga, Saw, the Tyler Perry canon and Expendables. He was also behind such notable counterprogramming and awards hits as La La Land, Knives Out, Wonder, Crash, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Precious, among many others.
“David has been an incredibly valued leader of Lionsgate...
‘The Hunger Games’
Spitz came to Lionsgate via its absorption of Blair Witch Project studio Artisan. Before that, Spitz was at Reservoir Dogs distributor, Live Entertainment which was acquired by Artisan. Spitz, son of legendary late distribution boss Jimmy Spitz, has had a leadership role at Lionsgate since 2003. Spitz handled several franchise hits including John Wick (the latest Chapter 4 of which became the highest grossing in the franchise with $180M+ this weekend), Hunger Games, Twilight Saga, Saw, the Tyler Perry canon and Expendables. He was also behind such notable counterprogramming and awards hits as La La Land, Knives Out, Wonder, Crash, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Precious, among many others.
“David has been an incredibly valued leader of Lionsgate...
- 5/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Some noteworthy new releases, a bevy of library titles and the complete series of “Freaks and Geeks” are among the new additions to Amazon Prime Video this month. May will see the streaming availability of the 2022 films “She Said,” “Violent Night” and “Till” on Prime Video, while the beloved (and short-lived) TV series “Freaks and Geeks” will be streaming on Amazon starting May 4.
We’ve also included everything new to Freevee, which includes the first three “John Wick” movies, “Scarface” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Check out the complete list of everything new on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 41 Best Movies on Amazon Prime (April 2023)
Arriving May 1
MasterChef Mexico S1-4 (2015)
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Babe (1995)
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babel (2006)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Biker Boyz (2003)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush 2 (2011)
Bound (1996)
Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Bridget Jones’s Baby...
We’ve also included everything new to Freevee, which includes the first three “John Wick” movies, “Scarface” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Check out the complete list of everything new on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 41 Best Movies on Amazon Prime (April 2023)
Arriving May 1
MasterChef Mexico S1-4 (2015)
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Babe (1995)
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babel (2006)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Biker Boyz (2003)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush 2 (2011)
Bound (1996)
Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Bridget Jones’s Baby...
- 5/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
With its list of new releases for May 2023, Amazon Prime Video is increasing its global reach.
The streamer’s biggest original offering this month is a German series. Hohlbeins’ – The Gryphon, based on the works of Wolfgang Holhlbein, will present a sprawling fantasy tale about three teens discovering a fantastical world called The Black Tower where “the Gryphon, a world-devouring monster, mercilessly subjugates all living creatures.”
The only other original title of note in May is Freevee comedy Primo on the 19th. Written by author and journalist Shea Serrano and produced by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this coming-of-age series will follow a teenager balancing “college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life on the south side of San Antonio.”
And that’s pretty much it for Amazon Originals this month! Thankfully, there is a huge influx of library content to keep Prime Video subscribers entertained. May 4 sees the...
The streamer’s biggest original offering this month is a German series. Hohlbeins’ – The Gryphon, based on the works of Wolfgang Holhlbein, will present a sprawling fantasy tale about three teens discovering a fantastical world called The Black Tower where “the Gryphon, a world-devouring monster, mercilessly subjugates all living creatures.”
The only other original title of note in May is Freevee comedy Primo on the 19th. Written by author and journalist Shea Serrano and produced by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this coming-of-age series will follow a teenager balancing “college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life on the south side of San Antonio.”
And that’s pretty much it for Amazon Originals this month! Thankfully, there is a huge influx of library content to keep Prime Video subscribers entertained. May 4 sees the...
- 5/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Tubi originals for April include “Dead Hot,” co-starring Vanessa Hudgens and Gg Magree. They play witchcraft students who long to connect with the spirit world. But when a ghost hunt goes wrong, they head to Salem, Massachusetts, for a masterclass.
“A Good Man,” another streamer original, lands on April 13. A man enters a new relationship in the aftermath of his wife’s affair. But soon, things go awry when he notices familiar signs of betrayal.
The four movies that comprise “The Scorpion King” arrive April 1. A prequel and spinoff of “The Mummy,” the first movie, in 2002, is a sorcery action-adventure film starring starring Dwayne Johnson, Steven Brand, Kelly Hu, Grant Heslov, and Michael Clarke Duncan. An evil ruler wants to conquer the tribes of the desert.
Jim Carrey fans will want to revisit the two “Ace Ventura” comedies. Carrey shows off his gift for physical comedy, while creating a wacky...
“A Good Man,” another streamer original, lands on April 13. A man enters a new relationship in the aftermath of his wife’s affair. But soon, things go awry when he notices familiar signs of betrayal.
The four movies that comprise “The Scorpion King” arrive April 1. A prequel and spinoff of “The Mummy,” the first movie, in 2002, is a sorcery action-adventure film starring starring Dwayne Johnson, Steven Brand, Kelly Hu, Grant Heslov, and Michael Clarke Duncan. An evil ruler wants to conquer the tribes of the desert.
Jim Carrey fans will want to revisit the two “Ace Ventura” comedies. Carrey shows off his gift for physical comedy, while creating a wacky...
- 3/31/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
Netflix fans might be wondering what Jason Bateman has to do with the streaming service’s latest survival show, Outlast. Though Bateman is a talented actor, he stepped behind the scenes for the Netflix series. The Ozark star promises plenty of twists and turns in the new series.
[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from Outlast Season 1 Episodes 1-5.]
Jason Bateman | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images What are the rules of the Netflix show ‘Outcast?’
Outlast throws 16 individuals together in a battle for survival in the Alaskan wilderness. The only hard and fast rule is that the contestants must team up and remain in a team to win. With a cash prize of $1 million on the line, the stakes are high.
Contestants are able to leave the game by firing a flare gun. They can also be removed from the show if deemed medically necessary. Producers occasionally send down valuable resources from helicopters, as well as notes with information or upcoming challenges.
[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from Outlast Season 1 Episodes 1-5.]
Jason Bateman | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images What are the rules of the Netflix show ‘Outcast?’
Outlast throws 16 individuals together in a battle for survival in the Alaskan wilderness. The only hard and fast rule is that the contestants must team up and remain in a team to win. With a cash prize of $1 million on the line, the stakes are high.
Contestants are able to leave the game by firing a flare gun. They can also be removed from the show if deemed medically necessary. Producers occasionally send down valuable resources from helicopters, as well as notes with information or upcoming challenges.
- 3/18/2023
- by Erica Scassellati
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ellie Kemper is set to executive producer and star in Lionsgate’s “Drop-Off” (working title), which has been given a pilot order by ABC.
The project, which is based on Sharon Horgan’s BAFTA nominated British format comedy “Motherland,” will see Kemper play Julia, a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village.
“With the help of new friends Calvin and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time,” the official logline states. “This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief … then realized it’s Sunday.”
In addition to Kemper, the series will be executive produced by Horgan, director Michael Showalter, writer Julieanne Smolinski, Clelia Mountford, Stacy Greenberg and Kira Carstensen from Merman Television, Paul Feig and Dan Magnante from Feigco Entertainment, Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz.
The project, which is based on Sharon Horgan’s BAFTA nominated British format comedy “Motherland,” will see Kemper play Julia, a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village.
“With the help of new friends Calvin and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time,” the official logline states. “This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief … then realized it’s Sunday.”
In addition to Kemper, the series will be executive produced by Horgan, director Michael Showalter, writer Julieanne Smolinski, Clelia Mountford, Stacy Greenberg and Kira Carstensen from Merman Television, Paul Feig and Dan Magnante from Feigco Entertainment, Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz.
- 3/10/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Peter Morgan — the Academy Award-nominated producer of American Sniper formerly serving as a production exec at Katalyst Films and Gilbert Films — has announced the launch of TantrumPM, a development and production company that will look to produce uniquely accessible and important, A-list driven content.
TantrumPM is currently developing a dozen or so projects, including a reboot of the Poison Ivy franchise of erotic thrillers exec produced by Morgan. Also in the works is a film titled The War and Treaty, to be directed by Numa Perrier from a script by Oscar winner Will McCormack (Toy Story 4) and Oscar nominee Craig Borten (Dallas Buyers Club). Additional producers set for that project include Perrier, Gary Gilbert, John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Harvey Mason Jr.
Financing for TantrumPM was provided by angel investors including tech entrepreneur Brett Markinson, actor Skeet Ulrich, and philanthropist Sydney Holland, among others. Notables serving on its...
TantrumPM is currently developing a dozen or so projects, including a reboot of the Poison Ivy franchise of erotic thrillers exec produced by Morgan. Also in the works is a film titled The War and Treaty, to be directed by Numa Perrier from a script by Oscar winner Will McCormack (Toy Story 4) and Oscar nominee Craig Borten (Dallas Buyers Club). Additional producers set for that project include Perrier, Gary Gilbert, John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Harvey Mason Jr.
Financing for TantrumPM was provided by angel investors including tech entrepreneur Brett Markinson, actor Skeet Ulrich, and philanthropist Sydney Holland, among others. Notables serving on its...
- 2/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s the new year, and there are a lot of new shows and films coming to Amazon Prime Video, including the Jennifer Lopez-led comedy “Shotgun Wedding” and Season 2 of the platform’s animated fantasy series “The Legend of Vox Machina.”
If you’re not in the gym working on those New Year’s resolutions, you can go on an comedic adventure with Prime Video’s “Shotgun Wedding,” which stars Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel who play a couple that attempts to wrangle their family members together for an ultimate designation wedding. However, things take a dark turn when the couple starts to get cold feet, and the entire wedding ends up being held hostage. The film drops on Prime Video Jan. 27.
As for shows, “Hunters” returns Jan. 13 with its second and final season. The series follows a group of skilled Nazi hunters who are on a mission to...
If you’re not in the gym working on those New Year’s resolutions, you can go on an comedic adventure with Prime Video’s “Shotgun Wedding,” which stars Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel who play a couple that attempts to wrangle their family members together for an ultimate designation wedding. However, things take a dark turn when the couple starts to get cold feet, and the entire wedding ends up being held hostage. The film drops on Prime Video Jan. 27.
As for shows, “Hunters” returns Jan. 13 with its second and final season. The series follows a group of skilled Nazi hunters who are on a mission to...
- 1/14/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
If you’ve been putting off watching the terrifically adventurous Brendan Fraser-led “The Mummy” again, now’s the time to prioritize it. The 1999 film is one of a bevy of movies leaving HBO Max in June, the full list of which you can read below.
Also leaving HBO and HBO Max this month is a bevy of Tyler Perry’s Madea movies, “Rounders,” “She’s All That” and “Real Steel.”
If you’re looking to prioritize some selections, “Presumed Innocent” is one of Harrison Ford’s most underrated films (featuring one of his best performances) and the Melissa McCarthy/Jason Bateman comedy “Identity Thief” is good for some solid laughs.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving HBO Max below.
Also Read:
Here’s What’s New on HBO and HBO Max in June 2022
June 9:
12 Strong, 2018
June 30:
2 Guns, 2013
20 Feet From Stardom, 2013 (HBO)
All Dogs Go To Heaven,...
Also leaving HBO and HBO Max this month is a bevy of Tyler Perry’s Madea movies, “Rounders,” “She’s All That” and “Real Steel.”
If you’re looking to prioritize some selections, “Presumed Innocent” is one of Harrison Ford’s most underrated films (featuring one of his best performances) and the Melissa McCarthy/Jason Bateman comedy “Identity Thief” is good for some solid laughs.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving HBO Max below.
Also Read:
Here’s What’s New on HBO and HBO Max in June 2022
June 9:
12 Strong, 2018
June 30:
2 Guns, 2013
20 Feet From Stardom, 2013 (HBO)
All Dogs Go To Heaven,...
- 6/3/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
LeBron James might be out of the NBA playoffs, but he’s still angling to be a big part of the summer entertainment season. That’s because HBO Max’s list of new releases for July 2021 is highlighted by a very special sequel.
Space Jam: A New Legacy premieres on July 16. will find LeBron teaming up with the Looney Tunes in a Warner Bros. IP-extravaganza. Can ‘Bron and the Looney Tunes beat the Goon Squad before Warner Bros.’ server steals LeBron “Bronny” Jr.’s soul (or something)? Let’s hope so. The two other major WB releases this month, No Sudden Move and Tom and Jerry in New York, both come to HBO Max on July 1.
HBO Max is also bringing some fun TV shows to its stream this month. The long-awaited Gossip Girl revival premieres on July 8. That will be followed by Mike White’s satirical limited series The White Lotus...
Space Jam: A New Legacy premieres on July 16. will find LeBron teaming up with the Looney Tunes in a Warner Bros. IP-extravaganza. Can ‘Bron and the Looney Tunes beat the Goon Squad before Warner Bros.’ server steals LeBron “Bronny” Jr.’s soul (or something)? Let’s hope so. The two other major WB releases this month, No Sudden Move and Tom and Jerry in New York, both come to HBO Max on July 1.
HBO Max is also bringing some fun TV shows to its stream this month. The long-awaited Gossip Girl revival premieres on July 8. That will be followed by Mike White’s satirical limited series The White Lotus...
- 7/1/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Summer is officially here and with it comes a surfeit of new movies and television shows available on HBO Max. Next month, the WarnerMedia streaming service will debut the long-awaited sequel to “Space Jam” with Lebron James taking the baton from Michael Jordan and the latest heist movie from Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh. But while those titles arrive, others depart, including “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” and “In the Heights.”
Ahead, highlights of the month ahead on HBO Max, plus the full list of July programming.
“No Sudden Move” (July 1): Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Kieran Culkin, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, and “Uncut Gems” breakout Julia Fox, among others, the heist thriller is set in 1950s Detroit and “enters on a group of small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document. When their plan goes horribly wrong,...
Ahead, highlights of the month ahead on HBO Max, plus the full list of July programming.
“No Sudden Move” (July 1): Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Kieran Culkin, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, and “Uncut Gems” breakout Julia Fox, among others, the heist thriller is set in 1950s Detroit and “enters on a group of small-time criminals who are hired to steal what they think is a simple document. When their plan goes horribly wrong,...
- 6/23/2021
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
“From the producer of Superbad, Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin” headlines the 2011 poster for Bridesmaids. It might as well have continued “comes a comedy starring… women!” While the producer in question, Judd Apatow, had nearly created his own subgenre of modern coming-of-age comedies featuring male friendships (regardless of the age his characters were ‘coming of’), a credible, genuinely funny, ensemble laugher starring all women was virtually unheard of. Or at least so it seemed at the time. Quotes on other posters included proclamations like, “Chick flicks don’t have to suck!” (Movieline) and “Better Than The Hangover!” (Cosmopolitan).
Ten years on, it seems both like yesterday when the film came out and also a whole era away: a time when women headlining a comedy movie was somehow strange, “chick flicks” were accepted to be a lesser form of cinema, and The Hangover was considered the pinnacle of hilarity. From...
Ten years on, it seems both like yesterday when the film came out and also a whole era away: a time when women headlining a comedy movie was somehow strange, “chick flicks” were accepted to be a lesser form of cinema, and The Hangover was considered the pinnacle of hilarity. From...
- 5/13/2021
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak’s That’s Wonderful Productions has named Alison Mo Massey as Head of Development and Production. In her new role, Massey, who joined the company in 2017 as VP of Development, will oversee Twp’s slate of television and feature film projects, working closely with Parsons and Spiewak.
Additionally, the company has promoted Michael Scott Allen to Director of Development, focusing on the company’s television slate under its overall deal with Warner Bros. TV, and has appointed Alyssa Murphy to the newly created position of Director of Development – Film.
“Todd and I are really excited to continue this journey with Alison as our new Head of Development and Production. Alison has been such an integral part in getting the company to where it is today and without question, it was time to put her in a leadership position,” said Parsons. “Michael started with us...
Additionally, the company has promoted Michael Scott Allen to Director of Development, focusing on the company’s television slate under its overall deal with Warner Bros. TV, and has appointed Alyssa Murphy to the newly created position of Director of Development – Film.
“Todd and I are really excited to continue this journey with Alison as our new Head of Development and Production. Alison has been such an integral part in getting the company to where it is today and without question, it was time to put her in a leadership position,” said Parsons. “Michael started with us...
- 4/20/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2013, Jason Bateman co-starred with Melissa McCarthy in the movie Identity Thief, which also had McCarthy’s husband, Ben Falcone, in its cast. Ever since, the three of them have maintained a strong friendship, so when Falcone approached Bateman with a new project he’d written and would direct for McCarthy — the superhero comedy Thunder […]
The post Ben Falcone Didn’t Have To Force Jason Bateman To Join ‘Thunder’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Ben Falcone Didn’t Have To Force Jason Bateman To Join ‘Thunder’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 4/14/2021
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Ava DuVernay’s superhero DC drama Naomi is rounding out its cast. In his return to the CW, former 7th Heaven star Barry Watson is set as a series regular, along with Mouzam Makkar (The Fix), Mary-Charles Jones (Kevin Can Wait), Aidan Gemme (Finding Neverland) and Daniel Puig (The System). Additionally, Amanda Marsalis has been tapped to direct and co-executive produce the pilot, from DuVernay’s Array Filmworks and Warner Bros. Television.
They join previously announced Kaci Walfall as Naomi, along with Alexander Wraith, Cranston Johnson and newcomer Camila Moreno.
Naomi, the network’s latest DC adaptation, comes from DuVernay and Arrow writer and co-exec producer Jill Blankenship. Based on the eponymous comic book series that debuted in 2019, co-written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker and illustrated by breakout artist Jamal Campbell, the show follows a teen girl’s journey from her small northwestern town...
They join previously announced Kaci Walfall as Naomi, along with Alexander Wraith, Cranston Johnson and newcomer Camila Moreno.
Naomi, the network’s latest DC adaptation, comes from DuVernay and Arrow writer and co-exec producer Jill Blankenship. Based on the eponymous comic book series that debuted in 2019, co-written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker and illustrated by breakout artist Jamal Campbell, the show follows a teen girl’s journey from her small northwestern town...
- 3/31/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Craig Mazin has extended his overall deal with HBO and HBO Max for an additional three years.
The news comes as little surprise, given the success Mazin has had at HBO. He previously created the critically-acclaimed HBO limited series “Chernobyl,” which detailed the aftermath of the titular Soviet nuclear disaster in 1986. The show, which starred Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård, won two Golden Globes and 10 Emmy Awards in 2019. Mazin also won a Writers Guild, Producers Guild, and Peabody Award for his work on the show.
HBO also recently gave out a series order to “The Last of Us,” an adaptation of the hit video game of the same name. Mazin is set to write and executive produce the upcoming series along with Neil Druckmann, the writer and creative director of the game. The series order was announced in November.
Mazin is also known for his work writing features, with his...
The news comes as little surprise, given the success Mazin has had at HBO. He previously created the critically-acclaimed HBO limited series “Chernobyl,” which detailed the aftermath of the titular Soviet nuclear disaster in 1986. The show, which starred Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård, won two Golden Globes and 10 Emmy Awards in 2019. Mazin also won a Writers Guild, Producers Guild, and Peabody Award for his work on the show.
HBO also recently gave out a series order to “The Last of Us,” an adaptation of the hit video game of the same name. Mazin is set to write and executive produce the upcoming series along with Neil Druckmann, the writer and creative director of the game. The series order was announced in November.
Mazin is also known for his work writing features, with his...
- 1/25/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin is staying in business with HBO.
The writer and producer has extended his overall deal with the WarnerMedia-owned premium cable network and its streaming sibling HBO Max for an additional three years.
It comes as he prepares for his latest series, an adaptation of Sony Playstation video game franchise The Last Of Us. The project, which is with HBO, is being written by Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who wrote the video game, and tells the story of Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed.
Mazin was responsible for HBO’s period drama Chernobyl, produced by British firm Sister, which scored nineteen Emmy nominations and won for Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Director. He also won Writers Guild, Producers Guild and Peabody Awards for the five-part series.
The writer and producer has extended his overall deal with the WarnerMedia-owned premium cable network and its streaming sibling HBO Max for an additional three years.
It comes as he prepares for his latest series, an adaptation of Sony Playstation video game franchise The Last Of Us. The project, which is with HBO, is being written by Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who wrote the video game, and tells the story of Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed.
Mazin was responsible for HBO’s period drama Chernobyl, produced by British firm Sister, which scored nineteen Emmy nominations and won for Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Director. He also won Writers Guild, Producers Guild and Peabody Awards for the five-part series.
- 1/25/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max has released the first trailer for “Superintelligence,” a new comedy about the surveillance state starring Melissa McCarthy and Bobby Cannavale. “Superintelligence” is McCarthy’s fourth collaboration with her husband Ben Falcone, who directed McCarthy in “Tammy” (2014), “The Boss” (2016), and “Life of the Party” (2018), all of which the couple co-wrote together. “Superintelligence” is written by Steve Mallory, who was the third credited writer on “The Boss.”
Per the official synopsis: “Nothing extraordinary ever happens to Carol Peters, so when she starts getting snarky backtalk from her TV, phone and microwave, she thinks she is being punked or losing her mind. In fact, the world’s first superintelligence has selected her for observation, taking over her life… with a bigger, more ominous plan to take over everything. Now Carol is humanity’s last chance to prove that people are worth saving.”
“Superintelligence” also stars James Corden as the voice of Super Intelligence,...
Per the official synopsis: “Nothing extraordinary ever happens to Carol Peters, so when she starts getting snarky backtalk from her TV, phone and microwave, she thinks she is being punked or losing her mind. In fact, the world’s first superintelligence has selected her for observation, taking over her life… with a bigger, more ominous plan to take over everything. Now Carol is humanity’s last chance to prove that people are worth saving.”
“Superintelligence” also stars James Corden as the voice of Super Intelligence,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
In today’s TV news roundup, Apple TV Plus released a teaser for ‘The Snoopy Show’ in celebration of the comic’s 70th anniversary, and the author of “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” will appear as a guest on “Oprah’s Book Club” and “The Oprah Conversation.”
Dates
Peacock will debut original news shows “The Mehdi Hasan Show” and “Zerlina” Oct. 5 on its exclusive news commentary channel, The Choice. With host and award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan, “The Mehdi Hasan Show” will delve into current events and provide deeper analysis through interviews and reporting. “Zerlina,” with host and political analyst Zerlina Maxwell, will offer timely coverage of politics through in-depth discussions that unpack the latest breaking news.
Season 7 of “Braxton Family Values” will premiere Nov. 5 on We tv. The reality TV series, which chronicles the life of singer Toni Braxton and her sisters Traci, Tamar, Trina and Towanda and mother Evelyn,...
Dates
Peacock will debut original news shows “The Mehdi Hasan Show” and “Zerlina” Oct. 5 on its exclusive news commentary channel, The Choice. With host and award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan, “The Mehdi Hasan Show” will delve into current events and provide deeper analysis through interviews and reporting. “Zerlina,” with host and political analyst Zerlina Maxwell, will offer timely coverage of politics through in-depth discussions that unpack the latest breaking news.
Season 7 of “Braxton Family Values” will premiere Nov. 5 on We tv. The reality TV series, which chronicles the life of singer Toni Braxton and her sisters Traci, Tamar, Trina and Towanda and mother Evelyn,...
- 10/2/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Young actress Maggie Elizabeth Jones (Ben and Kate) has been cast as one of the leads of CBS’ new Chuck Lorre-Marco Pennette multi-camera comedy series B Positive, headlined by Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford.
Jones has joined the series in a recasting; a different teen actress played the role in the James Burrows-directed B Positive pilot, the only 2020 broadcast pilot that was completed before the coronavirus-related production shutdown started in mid-March.
Created by Pennette, B Positive is about a therapist and newly divorced dad (Middleditch) who is faced with finding a kidney donor when he runs into a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past (Ashford) who volunteers her own. Together they form an unlikely bond and begin a journey that will change both of their lives.
Jones plays Maddie. Wise beyond her years, Maddie acts as a parent to her parents Drew (Middleditch) and Julia (Sara Rue), who are divorced.
Jones has joined the series in a recasting; a different teen actress played the role in the James Burrows-directed B Positive pilot, the only 2020 broadcast pilot that was completed before the coronavirus-related production shutdown started in mid-March.
Created by Pennette, B Positive is about a therapist and newly divorced dad (Middleditch) who is faced with finding a kidney donor when he runs into a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past (Ashford) who volunteers her own. Together they form an unlikely bond and begin a journey that will change both of their lives.
Jones plays Maddie. Wise beyond her years, Maddie acts as a parent to her parents Drew (Middleditch) and Julia (Sara Rue), who are divorced.
- 8/11/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s Peacock is set to go live on July 15 for a national audience, stuffed with more than 20,000 hours for Premium subscribers — and more than 13,000 hours entirely for free.
So what’s on the service? Here’s a breakdown of what to stream on Peacock Free and Peacock Premium, including original TV shows and movies. While Peacock will be available on platforms including those from Apple, Google, Xbox, LG, Vizio, Comcast and Cox, it will not be on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
Content on both tiers
Both Peacock’s free and premium tiers will feature current-season episodes and specials from NBC and Telemundo; news, sports and pop-culture programming; and more than 30 genre channels including live news from NBC News Now and Sky News, curated channels with clips from shows like “The Office” (which will roll off Netflix at the end of 2020 to come to Peacock in January 2021), “Saturday Night Live,...
So what’s on the service? Here’s a breakdown of what to stream on Peacock Free and Peacock Premium, including original TV shows and movies. While Peacock will be available on platforms including those from Apple, Google, Xbox, LG, Vizio, Comcast and Cox, it will not be on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
Content on both tiers
Both Peacock’s free and premium tiers will feature current-season episodes and specials from NBC and Telemundo; news, sports and pop-culture programming; and more than 30 genre channels including live news from NBC News Now and Sky News, curated channels with clips from shows like “The Office” (which will roll off Netflix at the end of 2020 to come to Peacock in January 2021), “Saturday Night Live,...
- 7/14/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Film industry veteran executive and producer Pamela Abdy has been named president of MGM Motion Picture Group, three months after Jonathan Glickman departed the post.
MGM Film Group chairman Michael De Luca made the announcement Tuesday. Abdy will oversee development, production and post-production for all MGM and Orion films, reporting to De Luca.
De Luca, the Oscar-nominated producer of “The Social Network” and a former executive at Sony and New Line, joined MGM in early January in the newly created role.
“I have long admired Pam for her exceptional abilities as both a studio executive and producer – both critical jobs in our industry and ones that she has handled with the utmost skill, taste and talent,” he said. “She is among the very best and we are all beyond thrilled that she will be joining the MGM team as we steer the studio into the future.”
Abdy said, “I am...
MGM Film Group chairman Michael De Luca made the announcement Tuesday. Abdy will oversee development, production and post-production for all MGM and Orion films, reporting to De Luca.
De Luca, the Oscar-nominated producer of “The Social Network” and a former executive at Sony and New Line, joined MGM in early January in the newly created role.
“I have long admired Pam for her exceptional abilities as both a studio executive and producer – both critical jobs in our industry and ones that she has handled with the utmost skill, taste and talent,” he said. “She is among the very best and we are all beyond thrilled that she will be joining the MGM team as we steer the studio into the future.”
Abdy said, “I am...
- 4/7/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran film executive Pamela Abdy is joining MGM as motion picture group president, Chairman Michael de Luca announced Tuesday.
She will oversee development, production and post-production for all of MGM and Orion films, and will report to De Luca.
“I have long admired Pam for her exceptional abilities as both a studio executive and producer – both critical jobs in our industry and ones that she has handled with the utmost skill, taste and talent,” De Luca said. “She is among the very best and we are all beyond thrilled that she will be joining the MGM team as we steer the studio into the future.”
Also Read: Former Michael De Luca Productions Execs Elishia Holmes, Johnny Pariseau Join MGM
Abdy added: “I am honored to join Mike and the team at MGM/Orion. As a colleague and friend for over 20 years, I have long admired his bold choices and passionate support of filmmakers.
She will oversee development, production and post-production for all of MGM and Orion films, and will report to De Luca.
“I have long admired Pam for her exceptional abilities as both a studio executive and producer – both critical jobs in our industry and ones that she has handled with the utmost skill, taste and talent,” De Luca said. “She is among the very best and we are all beyond thrilled that she will be joining the MGM team as we steer the studio into the future.”
Also Read: Former Michael De Luca Productions Execs Elishia Holmes, Johnny Pariseau Join MGM
Abdy added: “I am honored to join Mike and the team at MGM/Orion. As a colleague and friend for over 20 years, I have long admired his bold choices and passionate support of filmmakers.
- 4/7/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Update: Shortly after Deadline broke the story, MGM sent out a press release, confirming Pam Abdy’s appointment. She’ll carry the title of MGM Motion Picture Group President. Read the release before Deadline’s scoop.
Exclusive: Pam Abdy is being named to a top production post at the reconstituted MGM, sources said. The hire was made by Michael De Luca, who in early January was named chairman of MGM Motion Picture Group.
More from DeadlineMGM In Exclusive Talks for Hot Andy Weir Sci-Fi Novel 'Project Hail Mary,' Ryan Gosling Attached To Star & ProduceMGM Acquires U.S. On Channing Tatum & Reid Carolin-Helmed Road Trip Tale 'Dog'Michael De Luca Named Chairman Of MGM Motion Picture Group
Abdy is a veteran producer and studio exec who most recently helped Brad Weston start the production/finance company Makeready. Before that, she worked closely with Weston at New Regency during that company’s...
Exclusive: Pam Abdy is being named to a top production post at the reconstituted MGM, sources said. The hire was made by Michael De Luca, who in early January was named chairman of MGM Motion Picture Group.
More from DeadlineMGM In Exclusive Talks for Hot Andy Weir Sci-Fi Novel 'Project Hail Mary,' Ryan Gosling Attached To Star & ProduceMGM Acquires U.S. On Channing Tatum & Reid Carolin-Helmed Road Trip Tale 'Dog'Michael De Luca Named Chairman Of MGM Motion Picture Group
Abdy is a veteran producer and studio exec who most recently helped Brad Weston start the production/finance company Makeready. Before that, she worked closely with Weston at New Regency during that company’s...
- 4/7/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Solstice Studios has acquired the astronaut drama “Ground Control to Major Tom” with Seth Gordon on board to direct.
The company, launched in late 2018, has begun making cast offers and will distribute the film in the U.S. and sell the international rights.
“Ground Control to Major Tom” is the story of an astronaut and a Nasa ground control expert who have never met but fall in love over the course of the astronaut’s classified mission to an abandoned space station. When things go wrong and the astronaut’s ship is destroyed, ground control and the rest of the world presume he’s dead — until 18 months pass and they receive word he’s alive. Now, the only thing standing between them is a huge expanse of space and a dangerous attempt to get him home.
The title is taken from the opening line of David Bowie’s 1969 single “Space Oddity.
The company, launched in late 2018, has begun making cast offers and will distribute the film in the U.S. and sell the international rights.
“Ground Control to Major Tom” is the story of an astronaut and a Nasa ground control expert who have never met but fall in love over the course of the astronaut’s classified mission to an abandoned space station. When things go wrong and the astronaut’s ship is destroyed, ground control and the rest of the world presume he’s dead — until 18 months pass and they receive word he’s alive. Now, the only thing standing between them is a huge expanse of space and a dangerous attempt to get him home.
The title is taken from the opening line of David Bowie’s 1969 single “Space Oddity.
- 2/5/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
You’ve probably seen some of Craig Mazin‘s films even if you haven’t realized it. The screenwriter was behind “The Hangover Part II” (2011), “The Hangover Part III” (2013), “Identity Thief” (2013) and “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” (2016). All of his screen credits, in fact, had have been in film until now. He made his big television debut with the HBO miniseries “Chernobyl,” chronicling the 1986 nuclear plant disaster in northern Ukrainian Ssr, and is currently the odds-on favorite to win the Best Limited Series/TV Movie Writing Emmy.
Since this is a real event that had such wide-ranging effects, getting the facts straight is of the utmost importance, but “Chernobyl” thrives in its balance between factual evidence and emotional beats. And these beats aren’t only prompted by the show’s striking visual presentation, but by its depiction of the disaster’s long-lasting implications and its character-driven nature. For instance, by...
Since this is a real event that had such wide-ranging effects, getting the facts straight is of the utmost importance, but “Chernobyl” thrives in its balance between factual evidence and emotional beats. And these beats aren’t only prompted by the show’s striking visual presentation, but by its depiction of the disaster’s long-lasting implications and its character-driven nature. For instance, by...
- 9/7/2019
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
“At the heart of this story, which on the surface is about a nuclear explosion, there is a warning about what happens when a society completely detaches itself from the value of truth,” explains “Chernobyl” creator Craig Mazin. The HBO limited series recounts the 1986 power plant disaster in the Ussr, the investigation led by scientist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris) to find out what happened, and the attempts by the government to cover-up the details. Watch our exclusive video interview with Mazin above.
See Jared Harris interview: ‘Chernobyl’
“The Soviet system was a terrible system,” adds Mazin. “Anything that didn’t fit the narrative that the Soviets put out was repressed or denied.” The writer saw many obvious parallels to today, especially when it comes to climate change. “We’re struggling with how to discern truth from narrative,” while scientists keep “giving us warnings that we don’t really want to heed.
See Jared Harris interview: ‘Chernobyl’
“The Soviet system was a terrible system,” adds Mazin. “Anything that didn’t fit the narrative that the Soviets put out was repressed or denied.” The writer saw many obvious parallels to today, especially when it comes to climate change. “We’re struggling with how to discern truth from narrative,” while scientists keep “giving us warnings that we don’t really want to heed.
- 6/5/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Prolific producer-director-writer Seth Gordon and his Exhibit A banner have signed a rich new three-year overall deal at Sony Pictures Television where Gordon has been based for the past eight years.
Under the new pact, Gordon and his producing partner Julia Gunn will continue to develop and produce new series projects through Exhibit A.
Gordon is coming off a strong 2019 broadcast upfront where he saw both of his broadcast pilots for Sony TV go to series.
Comedy United We Fall, which Gordon and Gunn developed and executive produce through Exhibit A, went to series at ABC, with Julius Goldy Sharpe as creator, exec producer and showrunner.
Gordon also executive produces the newly picked up NBC drama series Lincoln, based on the Bone Collector novel, after coming on board to direct and exec produce the pilot.
Additionally, Gordon directed and executive produced the opening episode for Apple’s upcoming Ron...
Under the new pact, Gordon and his producing partner Julia Gunn will continue to develop and produce new series projects through Exhibit A.
Gordon is coming off a strong 2019 broadcast upfront where he saw both of his broadcast pilots for Sony TV go to series.
Comedy United We Fall, which Gordon and Gunn developed and executive produce through Exhibit A, went to series at ABC, with Julius Goldy Sharpe as creator, exec producer and showrunner.
Gordon also executive produces the newly picked up NBC drama series Lincoln, based on the Bone Collector novel, after coming on board to direct and exec produce the pilot.
Additionally, Gordon directed and executive produced the opening episode for Apple’s upcoming Ron...
- 5/22/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Sunday Update, writethru: Legendary Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Pokemon Detective Pikachu took the No. 1 spot at the international box office this weekend with a $103M start in 62 markets, just edging the third frame of Avengers: Endgame per today’s estimates. Along with the early release in Japan, Pikachu‘s offshore cume is $112.4M through Sunday, and the global total with the strong domestic bow is $170.4M.
By a hair of his lightning tail, Pikachu topped the third overseas session of Disney/Marvel’s Endgame which added $102.3M in 55 material markets (globally the McU pic won the weekend with $165.4M to the little critter’s $161M). Last session, Endgame sailed past Titanic to become the No. 2 movie of all time both offshore and worldwide. Its cumes currently sit at $1.762B international and $2.486B global. Endgame remains the No. 2 film of all time behind Avatar with about $302M now separating them on a worldwide basis.
By a hair of his lightning tail, Pikachu topped the third overseas session of Disney/Marvel’s Endgame which added $102.3M in 55 material markets (globally the McU pic won the weekend with $165.4M to the little critter’s $161M). Last session, Endgame sailed past Titanic to become the No. 2 movie of all time both offshore and worldwide. Its cumes currently sit at $1.762B international and $2.486B global. Endgame remains the No. 2 film of all time behind Avatar with about $302M now separating them on a worldwide basis.
- 5/12/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Prolific film and TV helmer Seth Gordon has been tapped to direct and executive produce NBC’s Lincoln (fka The Bone Collector), a drama pilot based on the bestselling book series by Jeffery Deaver that adapted into the 1999 movie starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.
The project hails from writers VJ Boyd and Mark Bianculli, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television, whose sibling feature studios shared distribution of the film, in association with Keshet Studios, which has deals with NBC and Uni TV. Gordon’s Ep/directing stint stems from his overall deal at Sony TV.
Written by Boyd and Bianculli, Lincoln follows legendary forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme, who was seriously injured during his hunt for the diabolic serial killer known as the Bone Collector. Called back into action when the killer re-emerges, Lincoln forms a unique partnership with Amelia Sachs, a young beat cop who helps him hunt the...
The project hails from writers VJ Boyd and Mark Bianculli, Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television, whose sibling feature studios shared distribution of the film, in association with Keshet Studios, which has deals with NBC and Uni TV. Gordon’s Ep/directing stint stems from his overall deal at Sony TV.
Written by Boyd and Bianculli, Lincoln follows legendary forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme, who was seriously injured during his hunt for the diabolic serial killer known as the Bone Collector. Called back into action when the killer re-emerges, Lincoln forms a unique partnership with Amelia Sachs, a young beat cop who helps him hunt the...
- 2/22/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
She’s played a boss, a spy, a cop, a Ghostbuster, a plagiarist and famously a White House press secretary, and now the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild has applied its 2019 career honor to Melissa McCarthy. The star of last year’s Can You Ever Forgive Me? will be presented with its Distinguished Artisan Award at the sixth annual Muahs Awards next month.
She is the first woman to receive the award, which will be doled out February 16 at Novo in Los Angeles.
“It is with respect and joy that we are able to honor Melissa McCarthy, a true friend to our crafts of make-up artistry and hair styling,” said Sue Cabral-Ebert, president of Iatse Local 706. “Melissa collaborates with our creative artisans in every character she develops – whether it’s the SNL parody of Sean Spicer or the true-to-life author Lee Israel. We want to let Melissa know how greatly she is appreciated,...
She is the first woman to receive the award, which will be doled out February 16 at Novo in Los Angeles.
“It is with respect and joy that we are able to honor Melissa McCarthy, a true friend to our crafts of make-up artistry and hair styling,” said Sue Cabral-Ebert, president of Iatse Local 706. “Melissa collaborates with our creative artisans in every character she develops – whether it’s the SNL parody of Sean Spicer or the true-to-life author Lee Israel. We want to let Melissa know how greatly she is appreciated,...
- 1/9/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Joseph Baxter Nov 22, 2019
NBC crime drama Lincoln Rhyme adapts The Bone Collector, the 1999 crime thriller based on the novel by Jeffery Deaver.
The Bone Collector is about to be collected by NBC. The Peacock Network is set to debut a serial television adaptation of the Jeffery Deaver crime novel-turned 1999 movie, which starred Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. However, the small screen adaptation will brandish the formal title, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector, after its main character.
NBC is bringing the murky murder mystery of The Bone Collector to television with a premium script – adapting Deaver’s original 1997 novel of the same name – by the duo of VJ Boyd and Mark Bianculli. The series – a production of Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television in association with Keshet Studios – will see the scribes joined by executive producers in Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Peter Traugott, and Rachel Kaplan.
Serving as director...
NBC crime drama Lincoln Rhyme adapts The Bone Collector, the 1999 crime thriller based on the novel by Jeffery Deaver.
The Bone Collector is about to be collected by NBC. The Peacock Network is set to debut a serial television adaptation of the Jeffery Deaver crime novel-turned 1999 movie, which starred Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. However, the small screen adaptation will brandish the formal title, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector, after its main character.
NBC is bringing the murky murder mystery of The Bone Collector to television with a premium script – adapting Deaver’s original 1997 novel of the same name – by the duo of VJ Boyd and Mark Bianculli. The series – a production of Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television in association with Keshet Studios – will see the scribes joined by executive producers in Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Peter Traugott, and Rachel Kaplan.
Serving as director...
- 11/16/2018
- Den of Geek
To shoot “Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” a biopic about literary forger and writer Lee Israel, director Marielle Heller and her production team had to re-create New York City in the 1990s on a shoestring budget. A few destinations, such as the Greenwhich Village gay bar Julius or the cavernous Upper West Side food emporium Zabar’s, are vestiges of that period. But in more cases than not, the crew had to avoid CitiBike racks and unearth the few remaining phone booths. It was a race against time.
“We were trying to shoot in bookstores, but they kept shutting down,” says Heller on a recent September afternoon, after debuting her film at the Toronto Film Festival. “We found this great store during pre-production, but it closed before we could shoot in it.”
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” may feel like a throwback in terms of its setting, but it also...
“We were trying to shoot in bookstores, but they kept shutting down,” says Heller on a recent September afternoon, after debuting her film at the Toronto Film Festival. “We found this great store during pre-production, but it closed before we could shoot in it.”
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” may feel like a throwback in terms of its setting, but it also...
- 10/2/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
After winning a power app way back in the second week of “Big Brother” Season 20, Tyler Crispen finally let it expire this week. “It turns out I didn’t really need it!” he bragged at the end of Wednesday’s Veto episode. Tyler’s special power was the Cloud, which would give him immunity at one nominations meeting or one Veto ceremony. Since his Level 6 alliance remained in control for most of the game, Tyler was rarely ever in danger. In fact, he’s only been on the block once in nine weeks, when Haleigh Broucher secretly nominated him as the hacker.
See Tyler tattles on ‘Big Brother’ 20 relationship with Angela: ‘I’m not gonna throw my game away for a showmance!’
“I feel powerless,” Tyler said in the Diary Room after his app expired at this week’s Veto meeting. “It’s been two months and I didn’t...
See Tyler tattles on ‘Big Brother’ 20 relationship with Angela: ‘I’m not gonna throw my game away for a showmance!’
“I feel powerless,” Tyler said in the Diary Room after his app expired at this week’s Veto meeting. “It’s been two months and I didn’t...
- 8/30/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The box office has been surprisingly strong this August, and now it’s up to Melissa McCarthy and a gaggle of raunchy puppets to keep the momentum going.
That’s the hope, as “The Happytime Murders” aims for a mid-teens opening when the black comedy launches across 3,224 locations this weekend. Analysts are comparing the result to Seth Rogen’s bawdy R-rated animated comedy “Sausage Party.” Rogen’s film became a massive box office hit, picking up $140 million off a $19 million production budget. “The Happytime Murders,” however, carries double the price tag, at $40 million.
“The Happytime Murders” is set in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles — a world where humans and puppets coexist — as McCarthy’s character, an Lapd detective, re-teams with her former puppet partner to solve a series of brutal murders. [Cue “SNL’s” Stefon voice] This movie has everything: Sex, offensive puppet jokes, murder, Melissa McCarthy snorting something through Twizzlers… At last, we...
That’s the hope, as “The Happytime Murders” aims for a mid-teens opening when the black comedy launches across 3,224 locations this weekend. Analysts are comparing the result to Seth Rogen’s bawdy R-rated animated comedy “Sausage Party.” Rogen’s film became a massive box office hit, picking up $140 million off a $19 million production budget. “The Happytime Murders,” however, carries double the price tag, at $40 million.
“The Happytime Murders” is set in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles — a world where humans and puppets coexist — as McCarthy’s character, an Lapd detective, re-teams with her former puppet partner to solve a series of brutal murders. [Cue “SNL’s” Stefon voice] This movie has everything: Sex, offensive puppet jokes, murder, Melissa McCarthy snorting something through Twizzlers… At last, we...
- 8/22/2018
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Universal has pulled Chris Pratt’s “Cowboy Ninja Viking” from the release calendar and the project has been delayed indefinitely, the company announced Tuesday.
The movie, was originally scheduled to be released on June 28, 2019, is now undated. The film remains in active development and will be re-dated at a later time to accommodate production scheduling.
The film, based on the 2009 Image Comics graphic novel by Aj Lieberman and illustrator Riley Rossmo, is a hard-edged action film starring Pratt as a new kind of assassin who manifests the toughest skills of three different personas: cowboy, ninja, and Viking.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra in Talks to Star With Chris Pratt in Universal's 'Cowboy Ninja Viking'
Michelle MacLaren is still attached to direct “Cowboy Ninja Viking” from a script by Dan Mazeau (“Wrath of the Titans”) and Ryan Engle (“The Commuter” and “Rampage”).
An earlier draft of the screenplay was written...
The movie, was originally scheduled to be released on June 28, 2019, is now undated. The film remains in active development and will be re-dated at a later time to accommodate production scheduling.
The film, based on the 2009 Image Comics graphic novel by Aj Lieberman and illustrator Riley Rossmo, is a hard-edged action film starring Pratt as a new kind of assassin who manifests the toughest skills of three different personas: cowboy, ninja, and Viking.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra in Talks to Star With Chris Pratt in Universal's 'Cowboy Ninja Viking'
Michelle MacLaren is still attached to direct “Cowboy Ninja Viking” from a script by Dan Mazeau (“Wrath of the Titans”) and Ryan Engle (“The Commuter” and “Rampage”).
An earlier draft of the screenplay was written...
- 8/7/2018
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
“Quantico” star Priyanka Chopra is in talks to join the cast of Universal Pictures’ “Cowboy Ninja Viking.”
The film, based on the 2009 Image Comics graphic novel by Aj Lieberman and illustrator Riley Rossmo, is a hard-edged actioner starring Chris Pratt as a new kind of assassin who manifests the toughest skills of three different personas: Cowboy, Ninja, and Viking.
The studio did not indicate what Chopra’s role would be.
Michelle MacLaren is directing “Cowboy Ninja Viking” from a script by Dan Mazeau (“Wrath of the Titans”) and Ryan Engle (“The Commuter” and “Rampage”).
Also Read: Rachel Weisz Warns Against Female James Bond: Women 'Should Get Their Own Stories'
An earlier draft of the screenplay was written by Craig Mazin (“Identity Thief” and “The Hangover II”), with an original draft by “Zombieland” writers Paul Wernick and Everett David Reese.
“Cowboy Ninja Viking” is slated for theatrical release June 28, 2019.
Entertainment...
The film, based on the 2009 Image Comics graphic novel by Aj Lieberman and illustrator Riley Rossmo, is a hard-edged actioner starring Chris Pratt as a new kind of assassin who manifests the toughest skills of three different personas: Cowboy, Ninja, and Viking.
The studio did not indicate what Chopra’s role would be.
Michelle MacLaren is directing “Cowboy Ninja Viking” from a script by Dan Mazeau (“Wrath of the Titans”) and Ryan Engle (“The Commuter” and “Rampage”).
Also Read: Rachel Weisz Warns Against Female James Bond: Women 'Should Get Their Own Stories'
An earlier draft of the screenplay was written by Craig Mazin (“Identity Thief” and “The Hangover II”), with an original draft by “Zombieland” writers Paul Wernick and Everett David Reese.
“Cowboy Ninja Viking” is slated for theatrical release June 28, 2019.
Entertainment...
- 7/30/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Damon Wolf has been set to become president of worldwide marketing for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. Wolf is the current co-head of marketing at TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions. He will make the move January 1, and will replace Tim Palen.
Palen, the longtime marketing chief and the brains behind such lauded film launch campaigns as The Hunger Games and La La Land, will continue to steer marketing for Lionsgate until early year end. Then, he’ll become Lionsgate Chief Brand Officer, overseeing the company’s franchise management and location-based entertainment, reporting to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. Wolf will report to Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, who has been overhauling his team and who counts Wolf as a key hire after naming his longtime collaborator Nathan Kahane to the president post.
At Sony, President of World Wide Marketing and Distribution Josh Greenstein...
Palen, the longtime marketing chief and the brains behind such lauded film launch campaigns as The Hunger Games and La La Land, will continue to steer marketing for Lionsgate until early year end. Then, he’ll become Lionsgate Chief Brand Officer, overseeing the company’s franchise management and location-based entertainment, reporting to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. Wolf will report to Joe Drake, chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, who has been overhauling his team and who counts Wolf as a key hire after naming his longtime collaborator Nathan Kahane to the president post.
At Sony, President of World Wide Marketing and Distribution Josh Greenstein...
- 6/26/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The sweet, coming-of-age comedy, Krystal arrives on DVD, Digital, and On Demand July 10 from Lionsgate.
The sweet, coming-of-age comedy, Krystal arrives on DVD, Digital, and On Demand July 10 from Lionsgate. Featuring a diverse all-star cast, including Rosario Dawson, Nick Robinson, William H. Macy, and Felicity Huffman, the film tells the tale of a young man who pretends to be in Alcoholics Anonymous® in order to woo the girl of his dreams, but things don’t go quite as planned. Directed by Oscar® nominee*, Golden Globe® nominee**, and Primetime Emmy® winner*** William H. Macy and written by Will Aldis, the Krystal DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98.
William H. Macy directs an all-star cast in this comedic drama about Taylor (Robinson), a young, sheltered man with a strange heart condition. When Taylor meets his dream woman, Krystal (Dawson) — a beguiling ex-addict with a sixteen-year-old son — Taylor pretends...
The sweet, coming-of-age comedy, Krystal arrives on DVD, Digital, and On Demand July 10 from Lionsgate. Featuring a diverse all-star cast, including Rosario Dawson, Nick Robinson, William H. Macy, and Felicity Huffman, the film tells the tale of a young man who pretends to be in Alcoholics Anonymous® in order to woo the girl of his dreams, but things don’t go quite as planned. Directed by Oscar® nominee*, Golden Globe® nominee**, and Primetime Emmy® winner*** William H. Macy and written by Will Aldis, the Krystal DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98.
William H. Macy directs an all-star cast in this comedic drama about Taylor (Robinson), a young, sheltered man with a strange heart condition. When Taylor meets his dream woman, Krystal (Dawson) — a beguiling ex-addict with a sixteen-year-old son — Taylor pretends...
- 6/23/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Welcome to this week’s “Preview Reel” column, where we look at the week’s upcoming wide-release movies. Avengers: Infinity War continues to break records as it has become the fastest film in history to reach $1 billion worldwide, and is already the 15th highest-grossing movie of all-time in just two weeks of release. The film is an undeniably huge hit for Marvel, and one that many studios saw coming as there’s slim pickings at the cineplexes this week. Two counter-programming films, Melissa McCarthy’s comedy Life of the Party and Gabrielle Union’s thriller Breaking In, will look to attract those who don’t want to see superheroes punch it out. Let’s see if either of these are worth your time, or if you should just wait until Deadpool 2 comes out next weekend.
Life of the Party
What we are excited about: Melissa McCarthy has been very...
Life of the Party
What we are excited about: Melissa McCarthy has been very...
- 5/9/2018
- by Scott Davis
- CinemaNerdz
AutFest International Film Festival announced its official program selections for its second annual film festival celebrating autism awareness “From Spectrum to Screen.”
Presented by The Autism Society, AutFest will screen over 16 feature films, short films and television programs that promote autism awareness and/or are made by autistic filmmakers. As previously announced, AutFest will also honor Netflix’s hit show “Atypical” and ABC’s “The Good Doctor” with Spotlight Awards for their special portrayal of lead characters who are on the autistic spectrum. The Visionary Award will be presented to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Television Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter. AutFest takes place Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 28, 2018 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, CA.
The 2nd Annual AutFest International Film Festival is proud to present the following features, shorts and television programs to play in its 2018 program.
Presented by The Autism Society, AutFest will screen over 16 feature films, short films and television programs that promote autism awareness and/or are made by autistic filmmakers. As previously announced, AutFest will also honor Netflix’s hit show “Atypical” and ABC’s “The Good Doctor” with Spotlight Awards for their special portrayal of lead characters who are on the autistic spectrum. The Visionary Award will be presented to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, and Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Television Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter. AutFest takes place Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 28, 2018 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, CA.
The 2nd Annual AutFest International Film Festival is proud to present the following features, shorts and television programs to play in its 2018 program.
- 4/27/2018
- Look to the Stars
A talented cast, including Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams and Sharon Horgan, ensure that this hit-and-miss caper remains snappy, if forgettable, fun
There are few things in life as crushingly reliable as a Jason Bateman comedy.
From the very beginning, expectations are kept firmly in check. There’s not a single person under any misapprehension with what they’re settling in for with one of these plainly titled films – Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief, Couples Retreat, Office Christmas Party – and the ensuing 100 minutes is usually passable if impossible to remember soon after, like eating at a Pizza Hut. Bateman remains an engaging comic presence but his latter forays into dramatic material, such as his awards-worthy douchebaggery in The Gift and his morally conflicted antihero of Ozark, tease at more beneath the overplayed mugging.
There are few things in life as crushingly reliable as a Jason Bateman comedy.
From the very beginning, expectations are kept firmly in check. There’s not a single person under any misapprehension with what they’re settling in for with one of these plainly titled films – Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief, Couples Retreat, Office Christmas Party – and the ensuing 100 minutes is usually passable if impossible to remember soon after, like eating at a Pizza Hut. Bateman remains an engaging comic presence but his latter forays into dramatic material, such as his awards-worthy douchebaggery in The Gift and his morally conflicted antihero of Ozark, tease at more beneath the overplayed mugging.
- 2/21/2018
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Who is brutally murdering The Happytime Gang? The long-gestating, rated-r horror-comedy The Happytime Murders looks to finally be in production, and the impressive cast has received two new additons today. Via Deadline, Mitch Silpa (Bridesmaids, above) and Ryan Gaul (Identity Thief) have come aboard. They’ll star alongside Elizabeth Banks, Melissa McCarthy, Joel McHale and Maya Rudolph. Last we heard, the movie has […]...
- 10/5/2017
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
If you’re seeking a dumb comedy that offers unoriginally raunchy humor and oddly interspersed action, look no further: Baywatch features both. Baywatch Blu-ray Review This adaptation from Paramount Pictures of the classic 90’s beach-set TV series is directed by Seth Gordon (Four Christmases, Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) and tells a far-fetched tale of an eclectic band of lifeguards who […]
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Baywatch’ Blu-ray Review: Silly Remake Of Classic TV Show Is Over-The-Top appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post ‘Baywatch’ Blu-ray Review: Silly Remake Of Classic TV Show Is Over-The-Top appeared first on uInterview.
- 9/6/2017
- by Pablo Mena
- Uinterview
MaryAnn’s quick take… An action masterpiece newly remastered in gorgeous 4K (and rejiggered for superfluous 3D) reveals how fresh it remains not only technically but thematically. I’m “biast” (pro): love this movie, have seen it a dozen times at least
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
August 29th? It’s Judgment Day! Or at least it would have been, 20 years ago in 1997, if not for the brave actions of mental patient Sarah Connor, her juvenile delinquent son John, and a reprogrammed T-800 killing machine sent back from the future, who didn’t even have a name, poor thing. To commemorate their selfless work, Terminator 2: Judgment Day has been newly remastered in gorgeous 4K, and also rejiggered for 3D, which is entirely superfluous: it adds nothing to the film, but at least it doesn’t detract from it...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
August 29th? It’s Judgment Day! Or at least it would have been, 20 years ago in 1997, if not for the brave actions of mental patient Sarah Connor, her juvenile delinquent son John, and a reprogrammed T-800 killing machine sent back from the future, who didn’t even have a name, poor thing. To commemorate their selfless work, Terminator 2: Judgment Day has been newly remastered in gorgeous 4K, and also rejiggered for 3D, which is entirely superfluous: it adds nothing to the film, but at least it doesn’t detract from it...
- 8/29/2017
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
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